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The Beach Boys

I'm a huge fan of classic rock, and music in general, listening to almost all genres from classical to jazz to rock to contemporary pop (very selectively). Don't care much for country and reggae. I've been reading in the latest issue of Stereophile about Acoustic Sounds reissuing The Beach Boys catalog, and the article compelled me to express my opinion on this forum. I'm simply completely, utterly, and overwhelmingly at a loss to understand the acclaim for this band. The fact that "Pet Sounds" is considered one of the greatest albums of all time leaves me speechless. I always considered their music a bit of a joke, good for background when you're in a beach bar in Southern California, in the same vein reggae or mariachi music are tolerable in Jamaica or Mexico, respectively, when one's on vacation. I then heard about them being compared to The Beatles and have been confused ever since. Perhaps a comparison to The Beatles early songs as they were evolving as musicians and songwriters would make sense, but comparing the genius of The Beatles to the "genius" of Brian Wilson is just preposterous, in my opinion.

I would like to hear from those who like or love The Beach Boys what it is about their music that they think warrants the acclaim and their presence in the upper echelon of music. I realize my post may generate quite a bit of controversy and angry responses, but I don't mean to offend or put down anyone's musical tastes. I'm posting as a music lover who is truly perplexed. 

    
actusreus
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
That's one great post bdp24. I don't know where you have accumulated all this info but from one BB fan to another I must say I'm impressed! I am going to SERIOUSLY revisit Smiley Smile, never one of my favorites, but with new ears.  

Agree with Tostadosunitos on the Capitol 1999 stereo remix version on cd, is that the one? I have NO issues with this recording and listened last night to confirm. There is no screech or etch at least to these ears, dimensional, smooth but least of all screechy. You can compare with the original mono which is on the same disc which sounds excellent as well. If you still have a problem and you have THAT recording then I think you might want to reevaluate your system Maplegrove ;^)
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
Pet sounds is the album i was referring to , not Smiley Smile . 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,285 posts
 
Right, the Pet Sounds recordings aren't as lo-fi as Smile/Smiley Smile and Wild Honey. They are really bad, Pet Sounds is just mediocre!
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
I was also referring to the 1999 "Pet Sounds" release on Capitol, not Smiley Smile. 
fjn04
1,561 posts
 

Great stuff as usual bdp24. QRP will soon to be releasing Smiley Smile. My guess is they decided it sounded good enough to release. They did a fantastic job with Pet Sounds Stereo. It beats the Ron Macmaster hands down. The Macmaster was serviceable, but the QRP is pretty special. I have Surfs Up coming from the next batch.



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